Frog's Leap Zinfandel 2011

750ML
Sku: 006447

Instead of reinventing Zinfandel, Frog's Leap vineyards looks to the past and the incredible Zins of the '40s and '50s. Those wines taught the lessons that the old-timers knew: that field blends of Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Napa Gamay all picked at ripeness (not as raisins) added color, aromatics, and earthy complexity. In other words, the help of other varietals was needed to reveal the Zinfandel grape's true flavors. These principles form the foundation for this wine today.

Tasting notes

In the centuries-old tradition of the "field blend” the2008 Frog’s Leap Zinfandel reveals the great character and multi-layered nuances of its almost forgotten varietals. The Zinfandel offers lush layers of wild raspberry and mulberry underscored with a touch of cinnamon and white pepper. The ‘Pets’ deepen the rich dark color, add a weighty mid-palate and strengthen the flavors of blueberry and spice while that dash of Carignane helps to drive the finish. The tannins are polished and the texture is plush. With an alcohol under 14% this wine is rich yet quaffable and is the perfect partner for your next barbeque

The aromatics of this classic field blend present a delightful challenge to the nose. Not exactly fresh fruit and not really jam, either. Rather, it's like a bunch of summer fruit—strawberry, raspberry, fig, and huckleberry—all conserved together in one aromatic package. It's sophisticated in the depth of its aroma profile and fun at the same time. The flavors are a big surprise as well—no jammy sweetness. Instead the wine is taut, refined and reminiscent of a very fine Tuscan Chianti and absolutely the right counterpoint to the aromas.